Measuring valve



T. M. COSTAKOS MEASURING VALVE Dec. 28, 14948.

2l sheds-sheet 2 Filed Aug. 8, 1947 Ill Bln

Patented Dec. 28, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MEASURING VALVETheodore M. Costakos, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application August 8, 1947, Serial No. 767,483

17 Claims. l

My invention relates to .improvements in dispensera, an object thereofbeing to provide a simple, durable, sanitary and relatively inexpensivedevice for dispensing liquids, particularly cream, in measured amountsselectively variable in quantity.

More specically it is an object of my invention to provide a dispenserhaving a container for a supply of cream or other liquid and a valvemechanism in association therewith adapted to be operated by and todeliver a charge of the liquid into a cup or other liquid receivingreceptacle.

Another object of the invention is to supply a dispenser of the presentnature in which the valve mechanism is quickly and easily disassembledto enable the parts thereof to be readily cleansed, and in which suchparts are quickly and easily reassembled for further use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dispenser with valvemechanism, as above, the parts of which are capable of being assembledin manners selectively establishing different adjustments of saidmechanism, each of which upon each operation of the device, results inthe delivery of a charge of liquid in predetermined quantity peculiar inamount to the particular adjustment selected.

Other objects of the invention reside in the novel combination andarrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafterillustrated and/or described.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a cream dispenserconstructed in accordance with my invention, a portion of the containerfor the supply of cream being broken away and showing in elevation aportion of the valve mechanism employed in delivering measured chargesof cream from said container; Fig. 2 is a perspective view in detail ofthe valve mechanism shown in Fig. 1, said view being broken away toreveal the internal construction of said mechanism; Fig. 3 is asectional view diagrammatically illustrating certain parts of said valvemechanism in their relative disposition at one stage in an operation ofsaid mechanism under one of its adjustments; Fig. 4 is a view similar toFig. 3 with the valve mechanism under the same adjustment but with theparts diiferently relatively disposed at a subsequent stage in saidoperation of said mechanism; Figs. 5 and 6 are diagrammatical viewssimilar to Figs. 3 and 4, respectively, but with the valve mechanismunder an adjustment differing from said rst adjustment to delivercharges of cream of relatively greater quantity.

Referring to the accompanying drawingsyit will be seen that theembodiment of my invention illustrated therein includes a container A asfor a supply of cream to be dispensed in measured quantities intoreceptacles such as a coffee cup I0 shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, orsuch as an individual cream pitcher II shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2.This container A consists of a double-walled cylindrical body I2 havinga bracket I3 secured to one side thereof and formed with a dependingstud I4 removably socketed in the upper end of a tubular leg I5 standingon a base member I6. Supported by the leg I5, the body I2 of saidcontainer A is held axially upright in a position elevated toaccommodate the placement of a receptacle beneath the same. Thecontainer I2 has a lleropening at the top thereof. This ller openingadmits the introduction of liquid into the supply chamber I'I within thecontainer and it provides access to the interior of said container. Adouble-walled cover I8 normally closes said filler openingin saidcontainer. At its lower end, the container body I2 `has a neck I9`axiallydisposed vertically, the same being formed by incorporatingbetween the container wallsil, 2| an upright nipple 22 having anoutwardly extending flange 23 at its upper end to provide an annularseat.

Associated with the container A is a valve mechanism B having a valvebody 24 of cup-like formation which ts into the nipple 22 from the topthereof, the upwardly opening cavity in the cupped valve` body 24providing a sump chamber 25 for the supply chamber I'I in the containerA. An outwardly extending annular ange 26 formed at the lip of the valvebody 24 rests on the seat flange 23 at the upper end of the neck-nipple22.

Depending axially from the valve body 24 is an externally threaded boss21 which has an axial discharge bore 28 therein leading downwardly fromthe sump chamber 25. A wing-nut 29, threaded on said boss 21 andturnedagainst the rim of the neck I9, secures the valve body 24 in placewithin said neck with the .iiange 26 on said valve body firmly heldagainst the seat flange 23.

A lift valve b fitted to the valve body 24 comprises an axially uprightvalve sleeve 30 slidable vertically in the sump chamber 25, an axiallyupright valve plug 3| slidable downwardly into and upwardly out of thedischarge bore 27, and a valve stem 32 co-axially fixed relative to thevalve plug 3I. Radial arms 33 fast at their outer ends to the valvesleeve 30 and fast at their inner ends to the valve 'plug 3I` connectsaid valve sleeve 30 and valve plug 3l together leaving an annular spaceThe lift valve b is self-movable downwardly by gravity to effect theretraction of the valve sleeve 30 into the sump .chamber 25 along with.the lowering of the valveplugiSl into the dischargebore 28, said liftvalve vb being lifted', as will later appear, to eiect the upwardprojection of said valve sleeve 33 from the sump chamber 25 along withthe upward withdrawal of said valve 'plug 3|.'

from said discharge bore 28. i

Removably socketed for its footing in the sump chamber 25 of the valvebody24 is a stand .34 .of tubular formation, the socketed portion ofsaid stand serving as a liner for said sump chamber 25 within which saidvalve sleeve 30 slides. This tubular stand 34 hasapertures 35, thereinLintermediately thereof bringing the interior of the con,-` tainerproper vinto communication with the sump chamber '25, and the upper edge.of .said stand 34 is notched to form a number of stepped .shoulder-s. Ahigh shoulder 36 and a lower shoulder 31 are shown in the drawing, itbeing understood, that intervening shoulders may be additionallyemployed, if desired. Removably applied to the upper -endroi' the stand34 is a tubular mounting 38 having a 1ug 39 intermediately `thereofvextending radially therefrom, said lug being in the form yoi a pin orof other suitable form.

The mounting 38 slipped into and out -of the upper end of the tubularstand 34 and turns therein to enable said mounting 38 to be' verticallyadusted relative to the ystand 34 to bring the lug- 39 to rest on one orthe other of the shoulders 36, 31, thereby holding the mounting 33 at `ahigher or lower elevation relative to the stand as may be selected. Thelower portion of the mounting-"38 is externally reduced in diameter toprovide a guide 4B. vSlidably mounted on this-guide --40 is a closurecap 4| for the valve slee-ve 30, said closure cap 4| being ofcylindrical formation having an axial` bore receiving said guide portion40 of said mounting 38. VVLimiting the gravitating descent ofthe closurecap 4| on the guide portion 43 of. the mounting 38 is a stop nut4'2, the4same being screwed on the lower threaded end of said guide portion 40beneath said closure cap 4|.. The upper portion of said mounting -38,extends above the extreme 'high level of the liquid introduced into thesupply chamber I1 ofthe container A.

'In either of the high `or low adjustments of the vmounting 38 on thestand .34, the closure cap 43| is engaged by the upper edge of the valvesleeve .31| andlifted by said sleeve during the lifting of the liftvalve b, such .engagement of said valve sleeve .30 with said closure cap4| occurring before the upwardwithdrawal of the valve plug V3| from thedischarge bore 28 in the valve body 24. Thus, all of theliquid containedin the sump chamber 25 and in the valve sleeve 3|)` upwardly projectedtherefrom to point of contact with the closure cap .41 becomes a trappedcharge of liquid in quantity of accurate .measurement ready to iiow outof the .discharge bore 28 as soon Yas said bore is .cleared bythe valveplug 3|. Stated otherwise, the sump chamber 25 and the upthe closure.cap 4| engaged by .said valve sleeve provide a measuring .chamber Ctrapping a defl- Said valve stem 32` 4 vice upon the clearing of thedischarge bore 28 by the valve plug 3|. For a charge of liquid ofminimum quantity, the lug 33 of the mounting 38 will be placed tobearvupon the lower shoulder 31 ofthe stand 3d, and for a charge ofliquid of maximum quantity the said lug 39 will be set to bear upon theupper shoulder 33 of said stand 34. The head section of the valve stem32 is formed.. With an upper enlarged stopper po-rtion 31'0 which playsup and down in the bore 43 of the `mounting 38, and said bore 43 has alower .restricted portion 44 into and out of which said stopper portion32c slides to obstruct and to clear said bore 43. The obstruction ofsaid restricted wardly projected valve sleeve 33 together with Y portionY44 of said mounting-bore 43 by said stopper portion 32 of the valvestem 32 takes l place during those stages of operation of the lift valveb, wherein the valve sleeve 33 is out of engagement with the closure cap4|. Thus, at such times, said mounting-bore 43 is obstructed by saidstopper portion .32C against the ascent of liquidin said bore, which ifpermitted to rise therein would add .more .or less to the amount oiliquid measured out .in the measuring compartment C.. Theclearing of therestricted portion 44 of the mounting-bore 43 by the stopper portion32cm the lvalve stem 32 takes place during those stages ofv operation ofthe lift valve b. wherein the valve sleeve 3D .is in engagement with theclosure .cap di.. Hence, at such times.,jsaid mounting-bore #i3 servesas an air passageway leading downwardly from avoe. the level of liquidin the container A to the measuring compartment C to vent saidcompartment andfacilitate the emptying therefrom of the charge of liquidtrapped therein.` Fig.. .3 of the drawing shows themounting L33initsllow adjustment on the stand 34 to .effect the trapping of a charge-fof liquid of .minimum quantity in the measuring compartment C. andFig. 5 shows said mounting 38 in its` ,high adjustment on said stand 34to eiect the Atrapping of a charge of liquid of maximum'quantity in the`.measuring compartmentC;l Inboth instances, the valvezsleeveS isillustrated .asjust .having ascended into engagement with the. eiosurecap 41. From these views or the drawingfit will .be understood y.thatvthe restricted portion 44 of the mounting-bore 613 `is obstructed bythe. stopper portionv 32C of the valve stem 32. atv ail times until thevalve sleeve 30 comes .into engagement with the closure cap 4|. Fig. 4illustrates the mounting 33 in its said low adjustment and Fig. .6`illustrates said mounting 38 in its said high adjustment. And, in bothvinstances., it is seen that the bore 43 of the mounting 3.8 is clearedby :the .stopper portionv 32c oi' thevalve sternl 32 after the valvesleeve 33 engages the closure cap A4| .and proceeds to -liit the sameupwardly on the guide prtion dil of said mounting. Thus, underyeach.adjustment of the mounting 38 on ther stand 34 a venting ofthemeasuring compartment C occurs vafter the trap- .pingY of a charge ofliquid in said compartment is completed and before the valve plug 3|ascends from the discharge` bore 28r to free the 'trapped `charge of theliquid therefrom.

To limit vthe gravitating descent of the lift valve band to prevent anydripping of liquid from the discharge. bore28 when said lift valve b isin its lowermost positiomthe lower portionl of the valve p1ug3l isexternally beveled as at 31s,and said discharge boreu28 is formed withacarrespondingiy beveled reduction ,28s, the same constituting; a seatyfor, said beveled ,portion 3| of said valve plug 3l Insuring thegravitating descent of the lift valve b to its lowermost limit and theaccompanying seating of the beveled portion 3| a of the valve plug 3|against the beveled reduction 28El of the discharge bore 28, I employ aweight having a sleeve-like body 4B which is slipped over the upper endof the head section of the valve stem 32, as best seen in Fig. 2. At theupper end of said sleeve-like body 4-6 is .a crown mem- 'ber 4l whichoverhangs the annular space 48 remaining in the upper portion of themountingbore 43 between the mounting 38 and the body 46 of said weight45, said space 48 being guarded by said crown member 4l against theentry thereinto of liquid as a supply thereof is being poured into thecontainer A through the filler opening at the top thereof.

The lift valve b is elevated through the medium of a receptacle intowhich a charge of liquid is to be dispensed from the discharge bore 28of Ithe valve body 24. To this end, I provide means associated with thelower end of the lower valve stem section 32a which is engaged by therim of a receptacle and lifted to elevate said lift valve b. Said meansincludes a breast member 49, such member, as shown, consisting of aseatforming annulus 50, Fig. 1, having abutment bars 5| extendinghorizontally outward therefrom in diametrically opposed relation. Guidestems 52 extending upwardly from the abutment bars 5| are slidablyguided at their upper portions in .vertical ways 53 formed in the wings54 of the nut 29. Removably socketed within the annulus 49, is a funnelmember 55 having a shoulder 56 which bears upon said annulus 49, saidfunnel member 55 also has a depending flange 51 which fits looselywithin the annulus to enable said funnel member to move slightly in anydirection laterally of said annulus 50. Generally, the axis of thefunnel member 55 will coincidewith the axis of the valve stem section32e, the lower terminus of which is pointed conically, as at 58. Thisconically pointed terminus 58 of the valve stem section 32a is removablysocketed in a conical depression 59 in a web-bar :60 formed on thefunnel member 55 diametrically thereof at its lower portion. Bowedrearwardly toward the leg l5 of the device and extending horizontallyfrom one abutment bar 5| to the other is an 4arcuate stop 6| the lowermarginal portion of which hangs beneath the level of the funnel member55. A user of the dispenser engages with this stop 6| the rim of areceptacle, such as a cup l0 or pitcher to assist in bringing thereceptacle directly beneath the funnel member 55. A receptacle thusdisposed relative to the funnel member 55 is lifted to bring its rimagainst the abutment bars 5| and elevate the breast member 49. Suchelevation of said breast member V49 results in the elevation of the liftvalve b and the consequent delivery of a charge of liquid from themeasuring chamber C' through the discharge bore 28. Issuing from saiddischarge bore 28, the liquid flows into the funnel member 55 and fromsaid funnel member into the receptacle by which the breast member 49 islifted. It will be noted that the lower section 32a of the valve stem 32and the web-bar 6|) in vthe funnel member 55 are of relatively smallcross-sectional area. This provision minimizes accumulations of thedischarged liquid and the consequent dripping thereof from said stemportion and web-bar between dispensing operations, The limited lateralplay of the funnel member 55V in the annulus 59 provides tolerancebetween parts avoiding the binding thereof which otherwise might occur.,The upper ends 53?- of the ways 53 provide stops for the upper ends'ofthe guide stems 52 limiting the upward thrust of'th lift valve b by saidbreastmember 49. ,I

YIn preparing theidispen'ser for use, the mount- .ing 38 will beadjusted on the stand -34 from the inside of the container A to accordwith the particular quantity of liquid desired to be discharged eachtime the lift valve b is elevated. In making this adjustment, the lug 39on said mounting l38 will be brought to bear Vupon one orthe other ofthe shoulders 36, 31 on said stand 34. Thereafter, the supply of liquidto be dispensedwill be introduced into the container A and the cover I8put in place thereon. l

The parts of my dispenser required v.to be cleansed for sanitarypurposes .may be readily treated. Ordinarily the valve body 24 and thewing nut 29 therefor will be left on the container A, and the breastmember 49 will be left in place on said nut 29.` However, all of theremaining parts of the valve mechanism B willbe removed from thecontainer A. The weight 45'may be taken first by lifting it fromthevalve stem 32. Then, the mounting 38 may be lifted from the stand34together with the closure cap 4| on said mounting. Then, the stand 34will be lifted from the Valve body 24 and, thereafter, the valve stem 32with its attached valve sleeve 38 and valve plug 3| will be removed.From the outside of the container A, the funnel member 55 will beremoved from its supporting annulus50. With these various partsdisassembled, as indicated, they may be easily and thoroughly cleaned inconvenient manner, and may be reassembled in operative relationship withthe same ease with which they are disassembled. x l

Changes in the specic form of my invention, as herein described, may bemade within the scope of what is claimed without departing from thespirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protectby Letters Patent is:

l. In a dispenser, a container having an opening in the bottom thereofproviding a chamber for asupply liquid to be dispensed, valve mechanismadapted to dispense from the container successive charges of liquid inmeasured quantities, said valve mechanism comprising a cupped valve bodyreceived in said opening in the bottom of the container and providing asump chamber therefor, said valve body being formed with a dischargebore therein opening downwardly from said sump chamber, a lift valvemovable vdownwardly by gravity and including an axially upright valvesleeve slidable in the sump` chamber for downward retraction thereintoand for upward projection therefrom, and a valve stem connected withsaid valve sleeve and extending downwardly through said discharge bore,means associated with the valve stem beneath the container for elevatingthe lift valve, said lift valve r further including a valve plug on saidvalve stemdownwardly movable linto said bore to obstruct the same uponthe descent of the lift valve and upwardly movable out of said bore toclear the same upon the elevation of the lift valve, `a olosure cap forthe upper end of the valve sleeve, supporting means guiding the closurecap for vertical movement and limiting its gravitating descent to alevel spaced above the retracted valve sleeve, said closure cap beingengaged and lifted bythe valve sleeve .during the elevation-ofl thevlift valve, saidsumpvchamber together withthe .aannam valve sleeve andclosure .cap constituting a (oompartment which, upon engagement y,ofsaid valve sleeve with said closure cap, traps therenza measuredy chargefof liquid yfrom the containenpthe "2, VAdispenser, .as donned in claim.lyinoluding Imeans associated with the lift valveior. admittingventingair into the measuringcompantment upon completion ofthe trapping .of xacharge oi liquid therein` .3. A dispenser, `.as deined in claim .1, inwhich said supporting means consists oi astandwithin the container, anupright tubular mounting thereon for said closure cap, the borein -saidmounting providing a ventor 4the measuring compartment, .said .borehaving a restricted portion, .said valvestem including a head sectionextending into the venting bore end having an enlarged stopper portionto obstruct said restrict :ed portion of said bore and prevent therising of liquid in said bore, said stopper portion loi said stem beingadapted to clear'said restricted portion of 4said venting bore after:the trapping of a charge of liquid in the 'measuring compartment.

l 4. A dispenser, as defined in claim Linv/hich the said container has a.ller opening therein, and .in `which said supporting means'consists'.oic a stand within the container, an upright tubular mountingon 'the stand for said closure cap, said vstand and .mounting beingremovable *fromv the container through ysaid .ller opening and :said'mounting being removable fromsaidstand, lthe bore in said mountingproviding avent for the measuring compartment, said bore, lhaving-arestricted portion, said valve stem includingla .head section extendinginto the venting bore and hav.- ing an enlarged stopper portion toobstruotsaid restricted portion of said bore` and prevent the rising of.liquidin said bore, said stopper. portion of said stembeing adaptedtoclearsaid restricted portion of said ventingbore after the' trappingotva charge of liquid in themeasuringcompartment.

.A dispenser,` as defined in claim l, in which the .means-r :forlelevat-irn; the lift valve .-:consists of a breast member caI-redbylthe valve ,body for vertical movement, `aV funnel @member ont saidbreast memberl to receive the liquid flowing ,from said discharge bore,-`said funnel member having la web member formed witha socket therein forthe lower end of the. valve stem-said breast .member beingadapted'to beengaged. and lifted by a receptacle jdisposed to receive from the iunnelmember the liquid discharged thereinto from the discharge bore. .l

(i.1 A dispenser, as deiined in claim 3., iin-which the vmeans forelevating .the lift valve consists of a vertically movable breastmember, V:a funnel .member mounted orlimited lateral play on said saiddischarge bore, the lower end oi said valve stemA being pointedconically, said funnel A member ynut threaded on lthe .valve i bcdyandbearing breast member to receive the liquid flowing from against thebottom of Vthe container., saldmeans for elevating the lift valveconsisting of a, breast member slidably mounted yon said nuttor.vertical movemennsaid ,breast member providing a rest for the valve stemand adapted to -be. engaged and lifted by a receptacle disposedtoreceive ai charge of liquid from saidldischarge. bor-e.

8., A dispenser, :as` defined-in claimv 1, inwhieh the means 4forelevating .the lift-valve consists of Ia vertically .movable breastmember, providing a restfor the'valve stem and adapted tobegengaged .andrlifted by, a receptacle -Idisposed to re cevea charge of liquid fromsaid discharge 9. ,A dispenser, `as defined in claima, including a stopmember onsaid breast member adapted to .be engaged by a receptacle toaid inv locatingit for the reception of liquid discharged .from-saidbore.

l0.y aA dispenser, a v container providing e. chamber forja supply ofliquid to be dispensed, valve mechanism adapted to dispense from fthecontainer :successive charges oi liquid :in selectively variablequantities, sai-d valve mechanism comprising a cupped valve bodyincorporated. in the bottom of the container to provide gagsump chambertherefor, :said valve body being, iorlned withA a discharge bore therein-openingdown- Wardly from said sump chamber, a'iiit valve movable4downwardly by gravity and. including -an'laxially 'upright valve sleeveslidableinthe sump :chamber for downward retraction ,there- .into andfor upward projection therefrom, and avalve stem connected with saidvalve sleeve and extending downwardly through `said .discharge bore,means associated, with thevalvefstem .beneath vthe container forvelevating the iliftyalve, .said lift valve iurther including a valveplugon said valve vstem downwardly movable intofsaid bore to obstructthe same upon thev descent of the .lift valve and upwardly movable outor said bore to clear the same upon the elevation .of said valve, aclosure cap for the upper endof the valve sleeve, supporting :meansguiding the closurecap forv vertical :movementand variably limiting vitsgravitating descent to selectedjlevels spaced `above Athe retractedv-alvef'sleeve, said closure cap being engagedand lifted by the valvesleeve during the elevation of thev lift valve, said sump chambertogether with the valve sleeve and closure lcap constituting acompartment which, uponthe engagement of said sleeve with said closurecap, traps therein a measured charge of liquid 'from the .container inquantity determined by the selected 'limit of descent of saidk closurecap, the clearing of said discharge bore by said plug following the'engagement of said valve sleeve with said closure cap to release fromthe dispenser the charge of liquid trapped in said measuringcompartment. l

11.. .A dispenser, as dened in claim 1Y0, in which, said supportingmeans -consists of a stand within the container, a mounting slidablysupporting the closure cap, a limit stop for the closure cap on saidmounting beneath said cap, said-mounting being vertically adjustable onsaid stand.

12. `A dispenser, as-denedin claim '10, in which, said supporting meansconsists of a'stand Within the container having stepped shouldersthereon, a mounting' slidably supporting said closure cap, a limit stopfor the closure cap on said mounting beneath said cap, a lug on saidmounting engageable selectively with the shoulders onV said standselectively to dispose said mounting .vertically within the container. f

1s. A dispenser, as defined in claim 10, in which,

said supporting means consists of a tubular stand removably iitted atits lower end in the sump chamber and providing a lining therefor, theupper end of said stand having stepped shoulders thereon, an uprightmounting slidably supporting said closure cap, a limit stop for theclosure cap on said mounting beneath said cap, said mounting beingremovably slidably iitted in said stand and angularly shiftable therein,a lug on the mounting adapted in different angular positions of saidmounting to rest on different shoulders of said stand, therebyselectively to dispose said mounting at di'erent elevations Within thecontainer.

14. A dispenser, as defined in claim 10, including' means associatedwith the lift valve for admitting venting air to the measuringcompartment upon completion of the trapping of a charge of liquidtherein.

l5. A dispenser, as defined in claim 10, in which said supporting meansconsists of a stand within the container, an upright tubular mountingVertically adjustable on said stand, said mounting slidably supportingsaid closure cap, a limit stop for said closure cap on said mountingbeneath said cap, the bore in said mounting providing a vent for themeasuring compartment, said bore having a lower restricted portion, saidvalve stem including a head section extending into the venting bore andhaving an enlarged stopper portion ladapted to obstruct said restrictedportion of said bore and preventing the rising of liquid therein, saidstopper portion of said stem being adapted to clear said restrictedportion of said venting bore after the trapping of a charge of liquid inthe measuring compartment.

16. A dispenser, as defined in claim 15, inc1uding a weight removablymounted on the upper end of the head section of the valve stem Withinthe Venting bore in said mounting and spaced from the Wall of said bore.

17. A dispenser, as defined in claim 15, in Which the container has aiiller opening in the upper portion thereof, and in which a Weight isremovably mounted on the upper end of the head section of the Valve stemwithin the venting bore in said mounting in spaced relation relative tothe Wall of said bore, said weight having :a crown member shielding saidbore against the entry thereinto of liquid introduced into the Containerthrough said ller opening therein.

THEODORE M. COSTAKOS.

No references cited.

